Overview
- Justice M. Nagaprasanna allowed petitions by Rakesh Mahalingappa L and others, striking down the May 14 circular that targeted outlets on government hospital premises.
- The judge issued the decision with an oral remark that the government should not tinker with medicines for the poor, and a detailed written order is awaited.
- The state argued it would supply free medicines within hospitals and said Jan Aushadhi outlets could function outside government land, so in-hospital stores were not essential.
- Petitioners cited Articles 19(1)(g) and 21, asserted legitimate expectation to continue operations, and highlighted 50–90% price reductions that benefit low-income and chronic patients.
- BJP leaders, including MP Tejasvi Surya, welcomed the ruling and pointed to claimed nationwide savings under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana.